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Thank You

Asian Pacific Islander Council of San Francisco

apicouncil

The trusted, unified voice of SF’s API communities. We’re a coalition of 50 SF nonprofits that ensure the needs and priorities of APIs are addressed.
Today is Giving Tuesday. Across San Francisco, AP Today is Giving Tuesday. Across San Francisco, API community organizations are on the frontlines providing food, housing support, legal services, youth programs, and culturally rooted care that our families depend on every day. API Council is proud to stand with more than 50 member organizations working to ensure Asian and Pacific Islander communities are seen, heard, and supported. Today, we invite you to uplift the API Council and organizations in your own neighborhood and support our work. Give today. Together, we make our communities stronger. Make a contribution today: bit.ly/apic-givingtues25
We want to take a moment to give our heartfelt tha We want to take a moment to give our heartfelt thank you to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi @speakerpelosi for her decades of dedicated service to San Francisco and to our nation. From the halls of Congress to the streets of Chinatown, she has led with courage and care, championing equity, representation, and opportunity for all communities, including ours. Her support for the API Council and San Francisco’s AAPI communities has strengthened our collective voice and inspired generations of leaders to stand tall and speak up. With deep gratitude and admiration, we thank Speaker Pelosi for showing us what principled leadership looks like and for always standing with our communities with grace and love.
The API Council welcomed BOS President Rafael Mand The API Council welcomed BOS President Rafael Mandelman for a community meet-and-greet at the Mission YMCA yesterday afternoon. We discussed City updates, upcoming budget priorities, and how community organizations can stay engaged in supporting immigrant protections, and small business recovery. Thank you to Jamie Bruning-Miles and the Mission YMCA team for hosting and sharing about their programs and impact. @ymcasf @missionymca @rafaelmandelmand8 @jbruningmiles
API Council had the honor of celebrating the 50th API Council had the honor of celebrating the 50th Anniversary Gala of Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach (APILO), a longtime API Council member and community pillar. Founded in 1975 as Nihonmachi Legal Outreach, APILO has spent five decades advancing justice through culturally competent and linguistically appropriate legal, social, and educational services. From advocating for immigrants, women, and seniors to defending housing and disability rights, APILO’s work continues to strengthen and empower our communities. Congratulations to APILO on 50 years of impact and leadership! @apilegaloutreach
Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished time to give th Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished time to give thanks, honor our ancestors, and come together with loved ones under the full moon. For our communities, this season symbolizes unity, gratitude, and hope for brighter days ahead. As we share stories, laughter, and mooncakes, may we also reflect on the importance of connection and belonging that strengthen our API community every day.
You’re invited to join APA Family Support Servic You’re invited to join APA Family Support Services on Sunday, August 24th from 11:30am–2:30pm on Grant Avenue between Sacramento and Clay Street for their 38th Anniversary Celebration!
Repost from @taaforg : From a 13-year-old immigran Repost from @taaforg : From a 13-year-old immigrant in the Tenderloin to a youth director at CYC, Henry Ha’s story shows what real community support looks like. When language barriers, bullying, and violence made school feel impossible, Henry found belonging at CYC, where Vietnamese-speaking staff and after-school programs gave him a place to grow. Today, Henry leads CYC’s Dragon Boat Program, building teams of youth from Bayview, Chinatown, and the Tenderloin - many of them at risk or newly arrived. What started as a sport became something more: a way to break down neighborhood rivalries, build trust, and teach young people they don’t have to face anything alone. @cyc_sf is an APICouncil member org advancing safety, healing, and leadership in AAPI communities.
From Chinatown to cocktail champion, Derrick Li’ From Chinatown to cocktail champion, Derrick Li’s story shows what’s possible when our communities have access to workforce programs that meet them where they are. Ashley Cheng @sfmons @sfccsc , Executive Director of Charity Cultural Services Center and API Council member, shared how cultural differences and language barriers often delay access to stable careers for immigrants. That’s why programs like CCSC’s Hospitality Initiative are so important. They provide a pathway to skills, confidence, and economic opportunity. Read the full SF Examiner story: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/the-city/sf-bartender-derrick-li-had-unlikely-rise-to-cocktail-glory/article_6921afb2-8d55-45d5-8a64-1de70a9a8bed.html
API Council stands with our immigrant communities. API Council stands with our immigrant communities. The recent ICE raids targeted immigrant neighborhoods, causing fear and trauma, even for U.S. citizens. These actions are not about safety. They are about control and intimidation. In this moment, we want you to know: you are not alone. For help in the SF Area: Call API Legal Outreach (415.567.6255), CAA (415.274.6750), or the 24/7 Rapid Response Hotline (415.200.1548) for more information.
Last week, API Council proudly hosted our annual c Last week, API Council proudly hosted our annual convening with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi @speakerpelosi , an event that continues to bring together the voices of our community to spotlight urgent issues and shared solutions. This year’s panel discussion focused on health equity in the face of growing federal cuts, and also explored intersecting challenges around housing and education for our API communities. We were honored to be joined by a powerhouse panel of leaders: —Lance Toma, CEO San Francisco Community Health Center @lancetoma @sfchc_community_engagement —Dr. Jian Zhang, CEO, Chinese Hospital @chinesehospitalsf —Jon Osaki, Executive Director, Japanese Community Youth Council @jtosaki @jcycsf —Tammy Hung, Director of Programs and Community Engagement, Chinatown Community Development Center @chinatowncdc —Luisa Antonio, Executive Director, Bayanihan Equity Center @weez621 @bayanihanequity —Judy Young, Executive Director, Southeast Asian Development Center @judyminh @seadcsf Moderated by: Cally Wong, Executive Director, API Council of San Francisco @callybwally The event was hosted at JCYC and attended by API Council member organizations. Thank you to all who joined us in advancing a healthier, more equitable future for our API communities. Photos provided by JCYC.
Critical federal funding for AAPI nonprofits is un Critical federal funding for AAPI nonprofits is under attack. From college access programs to elder tech training and anti-hate work, life-changing services across the Bay Area are on the chopping block under the federal proposed budget. Leaders warn this could cause a system collapse for our communities. Organizations like JCYC, Stop AAPI Hate, and the Chinese Culture Center are already facing devastating cuts, jeopardizing programs that uplift thousands. We stand with the frontline nonprofits fighting to keep vital services alive. Read more via @sfchronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/trump-budget-cuts-threaten-aapi-nonprofits-in-sf-20337211.php @jtosaki @jcycsf @cccsanfrancisco
A powerful new exhibit at the Chinese Historical S A powerful new exhibit at the Chinese Historical Society of America opens May 10th, honoring the untold legacy of Chinese laundries and exposing the anti-immigrant policies that tried to erase our history. “Challenging a whitewashed history” uplifts the resilience of Chinese immigrants and connects past discrimination to today’s ongoing fight for belonging. Exhibit: Chinese Historical Society of America, 965 Clay St, SF (Free on opening day - May 10th) Read more about the exhibit at The Mission Local “Stopping the ‘anti-immigrant spin cycle’: Chinese laundry exhibit opens in Chinatown”: bit.ly/3H4NmxL @chsamuseum
We have exciting news for San Francisco’s AAPI c We have exciting news for San Francisco’s AAPI community. Last week, District 11 Supervisor @chyannechensf welcomed APA Family Support Services (APAFSS) to their new permanent home at 4377–4379 Mission Street. APAFSS has long uplifted immigrant and under-resourced families through culturally responsive, in-language services. With this new site, they will deepen their impact by offering parenting workshops, case management, behavioral health access, early childhood support, and more through the Asian and Pacific Islander Family Resources Network (APIFRN). Congratulations to the APAFSS team and all partners who made this milestone possible! @apa_family_support_services
Last week, the API Council hosted a meet-and-greet Last week, the API Council hosted a meet-and-greet with District 11 Supervisor @chyannechensf at APA Family Support Services! Thank you to Supervisor Chen for taking the time to meet with API Council and hear directly from our coalition of community-based organizations serving our communities. We look forward to continuing to build stronger partnerships and solutions together.
Join API Council at #CAAMFest on May 10th at 4pm a Join API Council at #CAAMFest on May 10th at 4pm at the Kabuki for the screening of Making Waves, a timely and thought-provoking documentary about the power of Asian American Studies to inspire activism, build community, and fight for justice. Directed by Bay Area filmmakers Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck, the film follows a group of youth advocating for AAPI curriculum in the Texas state capitol—carrying forward the legacy of the 1960s ethnic studies movement rooted in the Bay Area. Directors will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A moderated by Don Young, Director of Programs at CAAM. This is a must-see for anyone passionate about education, representation, and community power. Reserve your tickets: caamfest.com/2025/movies/making-waves/
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month across San Francisco with performances, food, films & more. ⭐ 100+ events across SF libraries, cinemas, museums, parks & more ⭐ May 1–31, 2025 ⭐ Get your AAPI Events Guide at apasf.org
🌱 Join us at Rooted & Rising on Friday, May 9 — a powerful evening celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month through the lens of entrepreneurship, wellness, and community empowerment!Expect inspiring speakers, AAPI vendors, and conversations that matter. Come connect, celebrate, and rise with us 💬🌸 🌱 Rooted & Rising: AAPI Heritage, Entrepreneurship & Mental Health 🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 5:30–8:30 PM 📍 INSEAD SF Hub | 🕠 5:30–8:30 PM 🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://tinyurl.com/rootednrising Presented by @asianinc_ @asianleadersalliance @insead @asianhustlenetwork
This week, the US District Court for Northern Cali This week, the US District Court for Northern California will hear powerful oral arguments against the Trump Administration's attacks on sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation. @sfcityattorney, Santa Clara County, and other communities nationwide have filed a lawsuit and sought a preliminary injunction to immediately stop the Trump Administration's attempts to cut funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. You can learn more about the lawsuit via the links on our bio and watch the oral arguments for the preliminary injunction on Wednesday 4/23 at 2pm. With 76% of clients served by API Council member organizations being immigrants, recent federal decisions around immigration have deepened fears around safety, basic rights, and access to services in our communities. You can learn more about what the API council is doing to respond in our most recent newsletter - link in our bio! (Photo credit: San Francisco City Attorney's Office. Taken at the original press conference for this lawsuit in February 2025.)
Celebrate the vibrant legacy and future of the Asi Celebrate the vibrant legacy and future of the Asian American & Pacific Islander community at the APA Heritage Awards & Gala Reception! Join the AAPI community for an unforgettable evening spotlighting the power of youth leadership and cultural pride as we honor the theme: “Energizing The Next Generation.” You can RSVP for both events at apasf.org! APA Heritage Awards Ceremony 🕒 Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5p.m.) 📍 Location: Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco ✅ Free Event – RSVP Required What to Expect: - Mayor’s Proclamation Signing Ceremony - APA Heritage Awards Presentation – Honoring community organizations for milestone achievements and youth change makers for outstanding community impact. - Cultural Procession – Enjoy a vibrant cultural parade and dance performance. APA Gala Reception 🕒 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Immediately following the Awards Ceremony) 📍 Location: San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place 🎟️ Tickets: $10 🔔 RSVP Required for Both Events – Capacity is limited! 👗 Attire: Ethnic Festive What to Enjoy: - Diverse Asian Cuisine - Cultural Performances - Community Exhibits
The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco @cccsf The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco @cccsf and Edge on the Square @edgeonthesquare co-present the 2nd Chinatown Pride 2025: We are Immortal!—a powerful evening-long festival that transforms our neighborhood into a bold celebration of resistance through art, dance, and storytelling, opening with a first-ever Chinatown Pride procession and culminating in an exhilarating silent disco! ️‍🌈 Chinatown Pride 2025: We are Immortal! 華埠驕傲2025: 我們不朽！ 📅 Saturday, May 24 | 6-10 pm 📍 6 pm - Pride Procession and Dance Workshop starts: 800 Grant Ave (Edge on the Square) 📍 6-10 pm - Pride Program: 750 Kearny St - Third Floor (CCC) 🎟️ Tickets are available NOW The events above are FREE to the public. Find out more on Chinese Culture Center and Edge on the Square's websites! ______ Pride will culminate with Chinatown’s first Silent Disco! Dance your heart out on the iconic Portsmouth Square Pedestrian Bridge as it transforms into the Immortal Dance Floor. Chinatown's queerness transcends identity, embodying fierce defiance against racism, displacement, and erasure of cultural spaces. As LGBTQIA2S+ and immigrant rights are under attack, "We are Immortal!" declares our refusal to be anything but unapologetically alive. Chinatown’s legacy of resistance fuels our commitment to immortality—we will not be silenced or erased. Join CCC, Edge, and our amazing queer artists as we kick off Queer Trans Asian Pacific Islander (QTAPI) Week and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with events that uplift the vibrant intersections of our communities!
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Proudly Uniting San Francisco’s Asian & Pacific Islander Communities